Formula 1 drivers have been urged to get vaccinated ahead of April’s Australian Grand Prix or face Novak Djokovic’s treatment

Formula 1 drivers have been warned they could face treatment from Novak Djokovic should they attempt to compete in the Australian Grand Prix unvaccinated.

The race’s managing director Andrew Westacott has outlined the “simple” rules which should avoid the kind of drama that shrouded this year’s Australian Open.

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Djokovic was one of the biggest headlines in the world when he was barred from entering Australia

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F1 has been one of the strictest sports in terms of mask-wearing and social distancing due to the close-knit nature of the paddock

World No. 1 in tennis Djokovic made international headlines when his visa was canceled twice when he attempted to enter the country without being vaccinated against COVID-19.

The Serb was unable to fight for a record-breaking 21st Grand Slam win and had previously spoken out against vaccines.

F1 stars have now been reminded of the rules when racing returns to Melbourne in April.

“The rules are easy to bring into the country and the rules are easy to apply in Formula 1,” said Westacott.

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F1 drivers will be keen to avoid the same drama

“To attend the event you must be 100 per cent vaccinated and no exemption from anyone will be sought.

“Our arrangements were in place long before the recent events at the Australian Open.

“These rules are understood by Formula 1, they are understood by the FIA, they are written into the sporting regulations and I am very confident that it will just be a rite of passage to come into the country.

“There is zero tolerance. It doesn’t matter if you’re Lewis Hamilton or Valentino Rossi in MotoGP, if your test is positive you don’t race this weekend.”

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Hamilton will shoot for a record-breaking eighth world title this year against Max Verstappen

The race at Albert Park returns to the calendar on April 10, having not held an event since drivers were sent home when the global pandemic first hit in March 2020.

With countries around the world heading into lockdown, F1 made the decision to travel to Australia, but just before first practice took place, the race weekend was cancelled.

A member of the McLaren F1 team has tested positive for coronavirus and the season has been suspended until July 5.

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The F1 was sent home from Australia in 2020 when the pandemic began when a McLaren team member tested positive

F1 stars have joined forces to urge fans to get their boosters

Albert Park is traditionally the opener for this year’s races but it has fallen to third place on the 2022 calendar due to restrictions as the season is due to start in Bahrain on March 20.

The sport has been lauded over the past two years for weathering the pandemic without an outbreak in the paddock that could easily have jeopardized the season.

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has confirmed that all paddock staff now need to be vaccinated, while the 20 2021 drivers have gathered to urge fans to get their booster shots.

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